Chennai Super Kings seem to thrive in times of difficulty. At one point in this season, they were hanging by a thread to stay alive and now they're just two wins away from a third straight title. They didn't flinch after losing two wickets in two balls in the second over, they didn't allow a few quick wickets in the latter half of their innings to affect the tempo built by an impressive counterattack. Instead, they took the fightback to a higher level, led by their captain MS Dhoni, whose blistering assault left Mumbai Indians scarred on their way out of the competition. Super Kings' determination and tenacity proved too much for Mumbai Indians, a promising campaign ending in disappointment.

Asked to bat on one of the most productive tracks this season, Michael Hussey and S Badrinath rode on some fortune to help their team recover from trouble and Dhoni then assumed that attacking avatar that had made him a sensation when he hit the international scene. The efforts of those three, together with Dwayne Bravo's late surge boosted Super Kings just as Mumbai Indians dropped their guard with the ball. Only Dwayne Smith's early attack in the chase gave them some hope, but that didn't last long.

Some late swing played a hand in Dhawal Kulkarni's two early strikes and Harbhajan Singh was miserly with the new ball, but Hussey and Badrinath took the challenge head on. Both were initially fortunate to find boundaries off edges with the seamers still finding some movement. But they also middled a few, and found the gaps consistently despite the field being pushed back after the Powerplay. Both drove well, Badrinath cracking Kulkarni past mid-off and Hussey creaming Lasith Malinga through extra cover. When Harbhajan brought his medium-pacers on - his ploy to shuffle the bowling backfired - Super Kings ensured the flow remained unaffected. Kieron Pollard was pulled for two fours in an over, the 10th of the innings, after the first timeout - the cue, presumably, for Super Kings to step up further.

Harbhajan was himself smashed for two sixes before Hussey took RP Singh for two boundaries. The first four overs after the timeout yielded 47. Hussey, Badrinath and Ravindra Jadeja, however, fell in a space of 11 deliveries, but the last eight overs of the innings were to produce 105 runs.

The man largely responsible for that was Dhoni, who flicked his first ball for four over midwicket. Though he has come to exercise far more restraint in his batting, the approach today betrayed no signs of that recent tendency to accumulate steadily before opening up. To his advantage, Mumbai Indians doled out a spate of length balls that he wasn't willing to spare. James Franklin was dispatched over long-on for the biggest six of this tournament, Kulkarni was thrashed down the ground and past cover, and he even had time to make room and cart RP over extra cover.

The stand-out shot was his favourite whiplash, imparting tremendous force against a length ball from Malinga that found itself in the deep-midwicket stand. Bravo, in that penultimate over, launched Malinga - who bowled his most expensive spell of this season - over midwicket and extra cover before finishing off with two sixes off Kulkarni. One of them was battered flat over wide long-off, off-balanced, the power and disdain behind the shot summing up the domination of bat over ball in those late overs.

Some of that contempt for the bowling was also on display in Smith's early ambush of Ben Hilfenhaus - the same bowler who was taken for 14 off the last three balls by Smith in Mumbai Indians' thrilling win in an earlier meeting. He used his wrists well, pulled, flicked, swept and found the boundary with ease in a quick opening stand of 47.

But Shadab Jakati, brought in for this game in place of seamer Yo Mahesh, bowled with discipline at the other end. He bowled a tight line, and his fielders backed him up well. Some superb fielding by Jadeja at point caused a mix-up between Smith and Tendulkar, who was run out, and Smith soon followed, spooning a catch in the same region. Albie Morkel, who got some away movement, had Dinesh Karthik and Rohit Sharma nicking to the keeper, and Ambati Rayudu fell slog-sweeping against R Ashwin. When Franklin was dismissed in the 14th over with 84 still to get, the task was even beyond Pollard. Mumbai Indians' depth in batting promised a close fight, but the pressure of a big chase in a must-win game proved too big to overcome.

The greatness of Badri is that the panache with which he is doing the thankless role for innumerable times. The hard-hitters will hit the headlines but those who do the trouble-shooting hardly get any mention even from the commentators. It was a treat to watch the way he adjusted his footwork to negate the swing and he was the one who took the attack to the opposition. He is a class apart in cruch situations.

Ravi
on May 25, 2012, 20:21 GMT

Here is my comments in Eliminator (vs MI) post match report. So it is another one (M.Vijay ...after a poor IPL session ) from CSK went NUTS today and knocked out the table topper in style. Small mistakes cost Bhajji/MI on Eliminator. Knowing that, there was no room for big tactical goof-ups against this monster CSK. CSK is unstoppable at this point.....
----
@ Ravie_US - On the day RCB got knocked out and CSK made it to play offs, I read one of the comment here. It says "Here you go, In each of 3 games someone go NUTS from CSK and clinch the title". Here you go today, not one but two (MSD, Bravo) went NUTS and knocked out the MI (who qualified play off about 3 weeks ago and the decent performers of this session). I know it is too early and CSK has to meet DD and KKR. But don't forget how DD collapsed against CSK. No wonder people hate CSK and MSD LOL!!! Oh Did I say I am from Chennai and die-hard fan of Captain Cool MSD

SUNIL
on May 25, 2012, 7:12 GMT

it was really the same old Dhoni about 3 years back...who attacked fearlessly.. this is the natural game for him..and he should be this way leaving other specialist batsmen to defend or consolidate. he is most effective in this avatar.. hats of to you Dhoni.. you command respect from team mates, opposition and fans being this way..

Dummy4
on May 25, 2012, 6:50 GMT

CSK bowled one no ball in which Pollard was bowled. Your stats column shows zero no ball for CSK

Bhran
on May 25, 2012, 4:18 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas : What abt So called wall ( highest bowled out player LOL) then ??? u always appear when sachin in trouble. I also like Dravid, both sachin and Dravid are valuable assets for india. @ Dhoni fans : I dont know y u cald him as world class player, he won many cup under his captaincy its because its his luck he got many in form players in team india. He failed in 2 test series and CB series just because 3 seniors and others failed. Please tell me y he didn't played well in overseas not only last series but also in the past tours, he dont hav good record in overseas. then how come he is world class. Am from Chennai.

surya
on May 25, 2012, 4:16 GMT

@Haleos. oh sorry i watched the finals, so Dhoni plays once in 1.25years not in 5 years. is that ok now?

Shanmugam
on May 25, 2012, 1:49 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas, I beg to differ. Sachin indeed is the little master. English fans can never forget the match-winning century he made in the Chennai test (2008-2009) in India's chase of 387. What about his Sharjah exploits against Steve Waugh's Aussies? Or his 2003 world cup exploits? Or his wonderful 241* and 60* in Steve Waugh's farewell test in Sydney (India should have won that test and, with that, the series) when he completely eschewed shots on the offside knowing that was one area where he was getting out often. You got to be a master to do that. I doubt if it would be possible for any other batsman (maybe Bradman, we don't know). Of course, in his 23 years of playing cricket, there are so many other instances. It is a common misconception that he scores centuries only in losing cases. Statistics say otherwise. He has more centuries in matches that India won than the ones that they lost.

Praveen
on May 25, 2012, 0:31 GMT

@ Dravid Gravitas..well said about Sachin. People just feel that Sachin is been bashed, but they don't realise ( i am saying to those who just blindly support Sachin always) that he is been failing to get an answer to play in crunch situations; whether it's team India or with MI. Having said that, every individual is not same, some play during league phase , some during playoff's . It's their nature of game and confidence, the unknown Adrenaline push that helps them to Deliver and it is how Dhoni delivered even when he has been in pathetic form during this season.But Sachin on the other hand just can't lend hand when it matters, he just hides under his own shadow, for some strange reason he knows, and from years we can see that Sachin is not a competitor, he has been playing for 22 years but not able to even " pass" in this crunch times.Excelling is high point which we don't expect from him. Atleast be brave dear sachin and lend hand to others, Shame mistakes continue even after 22 yr

Srinivas
on May 24, 2012, 22:30 GMT

Sachin is no Little Master. He is a big-time Little Choker, gets choked at the slightest hint of a big match or pressure. How many years he's been playing cricket for again? 22 years? Is it? Shame! Can't put bat to ball in crunch situations and big matches. On top of that, his atrocious strike-rate and inconsistency cost MI dearly in this IPL. Thanks to Rayudu, Rohit and others that they came to play-offs.

Karthik
on May 24, 2012, 18:25 GMT

@InnocentGuy, Thats perfect. Every one bashes CSK players as ordinary but fail to understand a team is a team and not a bunch of super stars. What has the start studded KXIP, DD (till 2010) achieved or what RCB or MI have won in the past 3 years? A team needs good captain and ability to play "well" in crunch situations and play as a unit. On these counts there is only one yes only one team can perform. Absolute Jeaslousy of this great man from Jharkhand and team from Chennai

aravamuthan
on May 26, 2012, 4:22 GMT

The greatness of Badri is that the panache with which he is doing the thankless role for innumerable times. The hard-hitters will hit the headlines but those who do the trouble-shooting hardly get any mention even from the commentators. It was a treat to watch the way he adjusted his footwork to negate the swing and he was the one who took the attack to the opposition. He is a class apart in cruch situations.

Ravi
on May 25, 2012, 20:21 GMT

Here is my comments in Eliminator (vs MI) post match report. So it is another one (M.Vijay ...after a poor IPL session ) from CSK went NUTS today and knocked out the table topper in style. Small mistakes cost Bhajji/MI on Eliminator. Knowing that, there was no room for big tactical goof-ups against this monster CSK. CSK is unstoppable at this point.....
----
@ Ravie_US - On the day RCB got knocked out and CSK made it to play offs, I read one of the comment here. It says "Here you go, In each of 3 games someone go NUTS from CSK and clinch the title". Here you go today, not one but two (MSD, Bravo) went NUTS and knocked out the MI (who qualified play off about 3 weeks ago and the decent performers of this session). I know it is too early and CSK has to meet DD and KKR. But don't forget how DD collapsed against CSK. No wonder people hate CSK and MSD LOL!!! Oh Did I say I am from Chennai and die-hard fan of Captain Cool MSD

SUNIL
on May 25, 2012, 7:12 GMT

it was really the same old Dhoni about 3 years back...who attacked fearlessly.. this is the natural game for him..and he should be this way leaving other specialist batsmen to defend or consolidate. he is most effective in this avatar.. hats of to you Dhoni.. you command respect from team mates, opposition and fans being this way..

Dummy4
on May 25, 2012, 6:50 GMT

CSK bowled one no ball in which Pollard was bowled. Your stats column shows zero no ball for CSK

Bhran
on May 25, 2012, 4:18 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas : What abt So called wall ( highest bowled out player LOL) then ??? u always appear when sachin in trouble. I also like Dravid, both sachin and Dravid are valuable assets for india. @ Dhoni fans : I dont know y u cald him as world class player, he won many cup under his captaincy its because its his luck he got many in form players in team india. He failed in 2 test series and CB series just because 3 seniors and others failed. Please tell me y he didn't played well in overseas not only last series but also in the past tours, he dont hav good record in overseas. then how come he is world class. Am from Chennai.

surya
on May 25, 2012, 4:16 GMT

@Haleos. oh sorry i watched the finals, so Dhoni plays once in 1.25years not in 5 years. is that ok now?

Shanmugam
on May 25, 2012, 1:49 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas, I beg to differ. Sachin indeed is the little master. English fans can never forget the match-winning century he made in the Chennai test (2008-2009) in India's chase of 387. What about his Sharjah exploits against Steve Waugh's Aussies? Or his 2003 world cup exploits? Or his wonderful 241* and 60* in Steve Waugh's farewell test in Sydney (India should have won that test and, with that, the series) when he completely eschewed shots on the offside knowing that was one area where he was getting out often. You got to be a master to do that. I doubt if it would be possible for any other batsman (maybe Bradman, we don't know). Of course, in his 23 years of playing cricket, there are so many other instances. It is a common misconception that he scores centuries only in losing cases. Statistics say otherwise. He has more centuries in matches that India won than the ones that they lost.

Praveen
on May 25, 2012, 0:31 GMT

@ Dravid Gravitas..well said about Sachin. People just feel that Sachin is been bashed, but they don't realise ( i am saying to those who just blindly support Sachin always) that he is been failing to get an answer to play in crunch situations; whether it's team India or with MI. Having said that, every individual is not same, some play during league phase , some during playoff's . It's their nature of game and confidence, the unknown Adrenaline push that helps them to Deliver and it is how Dhoni delivered even when he has been in pathetic form during this season.But Sachin on the other hand just can't lend hand when it matters, he just hides under his own shadow, for some strange reason he knows, and from years we can see that Sachin is not a competitor, he has been playing for 22 years but not able to even " pass" in this crunch times.Excelling is high point which we don't expect from him. Atleast be brave dear sachin and lend hand to others, Shame mistakes continue even after 22 yr

Srinivas
on May 24, 2012, 22:30 GMT

Sachin is no Little Master. He is a big-time Little Choker, gets choked at the slightest hint of a big match or pressure. How many years he's been playing cricket for again? 22 years? Is it? Shame! Can't put bat to ball in crunch situations and big matches. On top of that, his atrocious strike-rate and inconsistency cost MI dearly in this IPL. Thanks to Rayudu, Rohit and others that they came to play-offs.

Karthik
on May 24, 2012, 18:25 GMT

@InnocentGuy, Thats perfect. Every one bashes CSK players as ordinary but fail to understand a team is a team and not a bunch of super stars. What has the start studded KXIP, DD (till 2010) achieved or what RCB or MI have won in the past 3 years? A team needs good captain and ability to play "well" in crunch situations and play as a unit. On these counts there is only one yes only one team can perform. Absolute Jeaslousy of this great man from Jharkhand and team from Chennai

Praveen
on May 24, 2012, 17:21 GMT

Let's relax a bit from this comparison, but let me mention that even when i was trying to see post match pics in my lap top only i could see MSD pics, others were not opening, getting loaded and loaded but not opening, i but MSD pic opens not even in a fraction of a second, is that luck or destiny?? I feel It is a mixture of luck and destiny and gods' favour you with luck and destiny as additional assets if you work hard and honestly and with lot's of braveness.

Balaji
on May 24, 2012, 16:48 GMT

Hats off 2 my loveable CSK guys.... Especially 2 dhoni and Badri... They handed the pressure well... But Against the strong side DD they should open the innings with Anirudha and Hussey.. Bcoz anirudha is having more skill and talent comparing to Vijay... Bcoz Vijay Has got a maximum number of chances but he fails at all the time... And they can try the new ball with Kulasekara by replacing with Ben.... He can able to swing the new ball well than Ben.... So he can easily capture the wicket of Viru easily... So that the other bowlers can able to give more pressure for the next batsmans like Warner,Mahela,N.Ojha,Taylor etc.... Hope that CSK will give their Best on d next Match....

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 16:36 GMT

this the real captain of team india..and MSD again prooved that his lucky number is 7.just have a look at the total scored on that day..187=1+8+7=16 and again 1+6=7..this is how he did the magic again..if u recall the score made by CSK in the last final was 205..and again 2+0+5=7..so,veeru be careful with this magic number...

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 16:30 GMT

this the real captain of team india..and MSD again prooved that his lucky number is 7.just have a look at the total scored on that day..187=1+8+7=16 and again 1+6=7..this is how he did the magic again..if u recall the score made by CSK in the last final was 205..and again 2+0+5=7..so,veeru be careful with this magic number...

NITIN
on May 24, 2012, 16:05 GMT

MSD-the luckiest player ever to play the game.all non-technical players play for chennai like raina,vijay,anirudh.if dhoni had his say indian team will comprise of all chennai players. look at the chances given to players like vijay,jadeja,ashwin,raina.

Karthik
on May 24, 2012, 15:55 GMT

Its quite funny that CSK players are bashed even when they win. Raina is the all time top scorer in all IPL. Ashwin is the most economical bowler in all IPL. Dhoni is the most successful captain. Badrinath the most reliable. They play as a unit but unfortunately conspiracy theorists blame Srinivasan etc as they cannot bear success of another fellow Indian like Dhoni. Last but not least IPL is not a benchmark for success or greatness and the fact remains that India are lions only at home

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 15:38 GMT

This what i expected from CSK. I mentioned earlier in the Espn comments CSK are losing the plot without playing badrinath. But yesterday they played badrinath exactly the position which he was playing till last edition, that proved vital and he played gem of the innings and changed the momentum of the game. Badri is a class player who disturbs the bowling teams rythm by getting the quick runs he did exactly the same against MI. Finally CSK regained the winning combination. This is the sweet revenge of MI who defeated CSK in both the league games in home and away

Sreelal
on May 24, 2012, 15:22 GMT

tough luck Sachin n Mumbai :(

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 14:42 GMT

Folks...Those who supports Delhi...Wait and watch tomorrow....CSK will knock you out

Sathish
on May 24, 2012, 14:35 GMT

In my point of view, Dhoni is a very intelligent person. From intelligence (here I mean an extraordinary ability to read things around you) comes boldness and command. That makes Dhoni a very forceful person...much like Gilchrist. The attitude plays 80% of the role and skills remaining 20 per cent. This is precisely why teams such as RR with skilled players like Rahane and Rahul are outside.
What they lack is the Force. It is the KEY. Andrew Flintoff wouldn't have lifted the Ashes if he had operated with less force. Ian Botham wouldn't have created several magics during his days. Then again CSK is very special. Two of the batsmen got out going for sixes when they were on 47 and 49. Dhoni's half-century was almost unnoticed. Some other gifted players would have got to their fifty in a much safer way. But CSK don't do that. They want to win. I learnt attitude is important for winning, from Dhoni and CSK.

shailesh
on May 24, 2012, 14:26 GMT

@sweetspot: although I do agree that Raina can be a devastating player on his day I definitely oppose your following sentences "When was the last ball he got out to a short ball? He has totally countered that claim with some serious hitting and scoring on short balls." Batsmen cannot be tested for their deficiencies against short ball on subcontinent pitches.. he was definitely not upto the mark both in Aus & eng series where he was peppered with short balls.. so how did you conclude that he has countered short-balling? only time can tell. and by the way his so-called serious hitting in this IPL against "short balls" would have gone for 6 as boundaries are only about 60mts.. thats not so in international matches!!!

Prashant
on May 24, 2012, 14:23 GMT

When you have a star studded team, you are expected to win. CSK was the only team that didn't make major changes to their composition at the auction after IPL3: they retained their team for the most part. If not for KKR and KTK poaching Balaji and Murali respectively, CSK's playing XI has more or less remained the same during all IPLs. But all other teams made major changes, some don't even remotely resemble the sides from the first 3 IPLs, and CSK still beat them all. To build a champion side out of mostly average players who won't make it to any international XI is exactly why CSK are the best. And to make it this far with most of your players being out of form, shows the class. The worst performance of CSK is enough to beat the best of most other teams. @CSK, don't worry even if you lose to DD or KKR, as fans we are proud of you, you have given us everything! CSK for life!

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 14:21 GMT

I still don't understand why "Dada" is regarded as the best captain/best player compared to Dhoni...

James
on May 24, 2012, 14:19 GMT

People who are still thinks this CSK victory is lukc or even the qulification is a luck, then please remember, fortune favours the brave.

Prashant
on May 24, 2012, 14:10 GMT

When you have a star studded team, you are expected to win. CSK was the only team that didn't make major changes to their composition at the auction after IPL3: they retained their team for the most part. If not for KKR and KTK poaching Balaji and Murali respectively, CSK's playing XI has more or less remained the same during all IPLs. But all other teams made major changes, some don't even remotely resemble the sides from the first 3 IPLs, and CSK still beat them all. To build a champion side out of mostly average players who won't make it to any international XI is exactly why CSK are the best. And to make it this far with most of your players being out of form, shows the class. The worst performance of CSK is enough to beat the best of most other teams. @CSK, don't worry even if you lose to DD or KKR, as fans we are proud of you, you have given us everything! CSK for life!

Premnath
on May 24, 2012, 14:02 GMT

Once again Badri proved a point , as usual he is given to bat at top only when the team is in trouble in difficult track where correct technique is needed
Were as in flat tracks every other guy scores

Thats Badri for you

Sarangarajan
on May 24, 2012, 13:53 GMT

The way CSK came after loosing two for 1 in the second over speaks for the tenacity and skill of the team. Coupled with Bhajji's blunders in managing his bowlers, firstly Bhadri and Hussey showed what T20 is about and what it takes to win 2 IPLs consecutively.Unbelievable consolidation by the duo in establishing a platform which Dhoni and Bravo used to murder the MIs bowling including the slinger Malinga.The helicopter shot of Dhoni and the acrobatic shot of Bravo on the off side are some scenes one would never forget in his life time if he had seen the match live on TV.CSK has put the first right step in the play off. Keep it up CSK-play to your potential and nothing is impossible.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 13:47 GMT

Cheni, bye, bye, because you guys will not pass DD, inshllah they will rock, and beat you CSK....................... stop dreaming of the on going

Ash
on May 24, 2012, 13:44 GMT

If Srinivasan had wanted CSK to win the title, CSk would have definitely won the decider match against KXIP.. I don't know why people talk about Srinivasan, which is totally irrelevant..

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 13:40 GMT

God helps those who help themselves.....
Dhoni's shown his nerves,
i don't understand why do people still do not realize the he's got the momentum now and this will stop with MSD winning another IPL title this year too.

Ramakrishnan
on May 24, 2012, 13:10 GMT

@shantiratnamaj.. You are 100% right in your judgement about Suresh Raina. He has the uncanny knack of "showing off" that he is the best trier/fielder by falling to the ground and rolling over several times even when taking the simplest of catches. This is how he impresses his close friend and captain M.S Dhoni. One other player who falls into this category of being selected consistently despite several failures is Ravinder Jadeja. These two follow their captain like a shadow which is the most likely reason for other eligible players not getting a look in.

Krish
on May 24, 2012, 12:55 GMT

There is no surprise that CSK sneeked into the palyoff and into the virtual semis. Time and again they played average cricket this year but still in the semis. This is due the fact that the owner of CSK is part of IPL,BCCI etc. This clearly shows there is conflict of interest and until the owners of CSK are part of the IPL and BCCI they will be in finals of all editions of IPL. For example the IPL 2010 edition match between Kings XI Pubjab.

adithya
on May 24, 2012, 12:43 GMT

my heart feels for mi.i supported them to win this ipl but dhoni just took the game away from mi.if csk beat dd they will win this ipl for sure.harbhajan should work on his bowling he is low on confidence that's why he is not finishing his four overs.the helicopter shot by dhoni against malinga was the best shot i have ever seen.there are only few batsmen who plays malinga well they are dhoni,watson,kholi and bravo.

Senthil
on May 24, 2012, 12:32 GMT

@shantiratnamaj - It is easy to criticize anyone. What's wrong with Raina hugging anyone, or celebrating a catch? Even in his weakest show in the IPL, he has 341 runs! This is the first time his aggregate is below 400 in one season. He is also the only Indian batsman to have scored a century in each of the three formats, Tests, ODIs and T20s. He is a terrific fielder, and a more than useful bowler. He has a strike rate that can inflict heavy damage on the opposition, and he's far more valuable than a lot many others. Just because he is going through a lean patch doesn't mean he will remain there. When was the last ball he got out to a short ball? He has totally countered that claim with some serious hitting and scoring on short balls. How about noticing that instead of his hugging? If you want to get hugged by him, you've got to get at least as good as him.

Andy
on May 24, 2012, 12:18 GMT

look at the vijay's response after taking rayudu's catch he tried to copy pasted the celebration dance of bravo..i dont say its a shame on him..but he is not mature enough to forget about his low standard batting he just bluntly copying his team mates gestures while celebration..such a pathetic performances in gentlemens game..a complete disgrace and CSK into qualifier 2 that means over rated rain,ravindra jadeja,dhoni will be in indian team for the next one year.for the indian cricket csk and the politics should be out of indian XI simply overrated none of the player haven't performed in engalnd and austrlai just enjoed the karting and personal celebration accompanied by his team mates..

jordan
on May 24, 2012, 12:02 GMT

all credits must go to Badri..what an excellent player...he is a stylish player...Dhoni ,Bravo and Hussey have played well as well...I think MOM should have given to Bravo for his all round performance...batting,biwling and fielding...
please please DROP Vijay and send Badri as opener...I think we should still playJadjeja atleast he can bowl...vijay is useless...

Soumya
on May 24, 2012, 11:47 GMT

@Brammanand- Hey first beat Delhi, then you guys play with us (KKR).. warner and sehwag will teach you something special..

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 11:46 GMT

Come on people..Why not play like this when he play for India?? Where hard hitting go on tour of england and australia.? This shows that Dhoni become so politically involved that he forget he is playing for India(country).. I have seen his feet shaking against broad, bresnon and anderson...Only tiger at home..

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 11:39 GMT

I dont know why people are so jealous with MSD. He gave the proudest moments to indian cricket and performs when it matters the most. People can not digest his success. His cricking sense and decisions are very intelligent.
And about luck.. This was not lucky.. every other team was knowing what they needs to do to get into playoff.. They could not perform and could not achieve their targets..
Its his talent that makes him lucky.. Hats off Dhoni..

Soumya
on May 24, 2012, 11:38 GMT

Thats MSD.. He just single handedly beat mumbai.. personally, i dont like CSK, but CSK definately gonna be champion.

abi
on May 24, 2012, 11:33 GMT

Top class batting Dhoni and Bravo - good stuff - keep it up

ARIF3011
on May 24, 2012, 11:31 GMT

Good cricket is always good, and bad cricket is always bad!!!! Doesn't matter who is playing. Yesterday, CSK played good cricket but the other one couldn't. We must appreciate CSK in general but MSD in particular. It was vintage Dhoni at his best - took the game away single handedly from MI. It was payback time for MI who stole the game thru Dwayne Smith with last 3-balls' 14. That day MI wasn't that good except for those 3 hits but still won the game and fans cheered them up. In last game CSK won convincingly so MI fans can't digest. By the way I support none of the two, but always appreciate good game.

Raghuveer
on May 24, 2012, 11:19 GMT

During the run-up to the match, Gavaskar and Shastry were waxing eloquent on the 'mighty MI'. They were quoting a couple of stats to support their claim that CSK was no match to MI: 1. MI had never lost a match in Bangalore; 2. MI had won the 3 previous matches against CSK. Oh, if only matcheswere played on paper, like the book cricket played by school children, MI would have won without a ball being bowled!

The stats they forgot to mention were: 1. CSK holds the record in this IPL for the maximum successful run chase; 2. MI was bundled out just a week ago for a humiliating lowest total of 92 by DD in their own backyard; 3. CSK is the only team to defeat table topper DD convincingly in this IPL.

MI surely is a much hyped and overrated team, thanks to the media. They didn't belong in the last four. Their entry was thru the roof despite a negative net run rate. CSK promptly showed them the door before any further humiliation. Last year's CLT triumph was just a flash in the pan.

dravid
on May 24, 2012, 11:18 GMT

Dhoni Lucky man u r riding on luck............. But well batted.

Adnan
on May 24, 2012, 11:12 GMT

all u dhoni basher's........dhoni is big game player look his records...not so long ago in world cup final before final he was pretty ordinary in round robin matches n even in QTRS n SEMI's......but wen it mattered d most he produce the ings of his life n for millions n millions of cricket passionate ppl.....the WORLD CUP whr again everyone strted saying y he came ahead of Yuvraj who was in sublime form.....tat is d class of Dhoni.......CSK 2012 IPL Champ...

Sasikumar
on May 24, 2012, 11:10 GMT

Cant bear the heat of jealous everywhere on CSK calm down guys, if you say we are fortunate to get in to playoffs than remember this adage "FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE" only brave can recover from 2/4 to 180's in the end...some customed critics of Dhoni still saying he hits once in a 5 year sounds funny just recall how he dealt De Lange against KKR in kolkatta and many more instances like that u may have lost the memory as the series is long....FOR EVERYONE CSK IS DESIGNED TO WIN ESP IN TOUGH SITUATION so dont get jealous CSK might reduce their potentiality next year and make way to others to win....

harsha
on May 24, 2012, 11:10 GMT

Cometh the crisis,cometh Badri up the order to stabilize the innings.Along with Hussey,Badri's innings was the solid foundation for MSD and Bravo to build their skyscrapers.What can I say about MSD that has not alreay been said.MI has the most muddled thinking in a team.Sack the coach and captain

Rakesh
on May 24, 2012, 10:57 GMT

@rsurya - which world do u live in? Dhoni has done it time and again. Did you not watch World cup final?

Ash
on May 24, 2012, 10:55 GMT

Whether MSD fails for a couple of matches or performs occasionally, he proves himself when it matters the most..Thats his speciality!!! Mahi rocks..

shantiratnam
on May 24, 2012, 10:44 GMT

After 70+ matches and great Indian talent on show with and against international stars - will Suresh Raina still get a automatic selection in the Indian team? I see him in the team as the best " hugger" I have not seen any player in any team who does hug and hang on players as much as Suresh Raina does to celebrate a fall of a wicket and to me that is all he does to be part of the team. Now that he cannot do it with the bat he is making a big show each time he takes a simple catch. Will Suresh Raina get an auto selection over guys like Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Dhawan, Mandeep Singh, Rayudu, denesh karthik, agarwal, DD Wicket keep batsman? if so then IPL is useless except for it's money!

Vijendra
on May 24, 2012, 10:34 GMT

Dhoni is the greatest limited over batsman when it comes to finishing the matches, he has proved countless times.Still some say he plays once in 5 years.

He sacrifices his flamboyant batting nature many a times for sake of team and stability in ODI.

I think people who dislike Dhoni for no reason, can't take it any longer, they have long wished his downfall but it hardly happened.Every time he has proved his critics horribly wrong, and will continue to do so.

Happy to see Dhoni adopting aggressive style , like he used to be when he entered in 2005.

surya
on May 24, 2012, 9:55 GMT

Dhoni does it once in 5 years and unfortunately it was yesterday.

Nikhil
on May 24, 2012, 9:48 GMT

Bad luck Mumbai, well done CSK.

Brammanand
on May 24, 2012, 9:21 GMT

For the Guys who bitch about CSK - Chennai got 17 points and had a better run rate than other teams who were below.Thats why they qualified. Come on CSK you are gonnaa be the champions of 2012 IPL. Sorry Delhi dudes... you are gonna get spanked and beaten black & blue.... Then CSK will trash KKR and probably will teach a lesson to SRK, the importance of humility

Ash
on May 24, 2012, 9:20 GMT

To all those ppl who tell CSK is favoured by luck alone..A team can't be lucky everytime..Had CSK been so, they would have beat KXIP and entered the play offs straightaway!! And to prove they are the best, they need not beat Delhi who has lost a couple of matches as well..The thing lies in the finals..

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 9:17 GMT

Dhoni is good both as a captain and as a performer but has been quite lucky also.

He might have taken India to world cup triumph and several series wins but also was the helm when we got whitewashed twice in tests.

His batting is good in sub continent conditions. I think a Karthik is a better batsman abroad.

Dhini is good , most of the time unruffled but also laid back when action is the need. He waits for things to happen and had been lucky things did happen ti change games. He is not in the same class as Sourav Ganguly was ( Sourav has also become ineffective of late but he is 40 ) as a Captain.

Satish
on May 24, 2012, 9:08 GMT

@AshKarthi & others asking for Dhoni critics : Dhoni's batting was a failure for sure in the league games apart from a couple of innings.. Let us accept the point and be happy that Captain cool proved it when it mattered.. But you can still not defend some of the innings played by MSD in leagues.. The critics had their moments and now, we have ours..

Rakesh
on May 24, 2012, 8:38 GMT

with negative mindset captains like SRT and Bhajji, mumbai were destined to be doomed. Where is the sense if Karthik and Franklin come b4 pollard and rayadu? Ridiculous captainship. Dhoni proved once again he is a big game player.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 8:23 GMT

CSK a.k.a. MSD and Bravo played brilliantly yesterday....but i still think this year's IPL title belongs to KKR...

HARI
on May 24, 2012, 8:23 GMT

1. congrats to csk for reaching 2nd qualifier. 2. thanks to the great plarform laid by badri and hussey. 3. great timely atacking innings from msd and equally good hittings from bravo. 4. good fielding and good bowling.
It is time to look forwrad the game against dd. both openers warner and schewag are big hitters and warner also use SWITCH HITTING. it is in the hands of the bowlers to contain them by bowling in the right areas according to the field placement without conceeding any extras (wide, noball) and fielding should be exceptional during this first six overs. Raina can be sent down the orderby one or two places as his big hitting will be very useful and badri can at no.3 to steady the innings even though csk have a flying start within eight overs to avoid further wickets. vijay should attempt the shots with full confidence by using his feet aainst spinners and watch hitting the ball. just lifthe ball over the bowler or infielder head but should clearfield flat in first 6 oves

Yeshwin
on May 24, 2012, 8:15 GMT

Dhoni's helicopter shot six and Bravo's banana peel six are the best 2 sixes in the IPL. C'mon CSK !!! DD is next !!!!

zubair
on May 24, 2012, 8:14 GMT

Everything is going according to script.because this is the bet way to give gift to dhoni in return winning world cup for india

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 8:13 GMT

Csk needed to win their last league match against KXIP and they lost.Similarly KXIP,RCB and RR lost their last matches(must win games).CSK were kinda lucky agreed but not all luck.All the front runners lost their crunch games and CSK sneaked through cos of their net rr.Don be jealous please and appreciate CSK's efforts

Ali
on May 24, 2012, 8:07 GMT

Dhoni helicopetered Malinga into the crowd!!!! WHOA!!! That shot perfectly explained how Chennai sent Mumbai out of the Tournament...

KUMARAVEL
on May 24, 2012, 7:53 GMT

@Venkatesh Ya sure all of them are not world class but put them together, they resemble an ensemble cast of a Hollywood movie making a B movie look like A++.

Ash
on May 24, 2012, 7:48 GMT

Dhonis' victory secret: Rubbish all criticisms with silence and let his bat do the talking..A true spirited leader!!! Hats off to you, Mahi!!!

Ashwin
on May 24, 2012, 7:48 GMT

hussey and badrinath deserve the most credit here hussey does this for Australia and he does the same for CSK without their efforts csk would have lost and dhoni would have come out playing his usual slow test match innings hussey on numerous occasions has done this for csk and saved them they definitely missed him in the earlier periods and his never say die attitude is helping them while other players and teams would have faulted being in the position they were in

It's funny how all the CSK fans are all praising Dhoni now, after they have been bashing him so much throughout the whole IPL.

Kyle
on May 24, 2012, 7:43 GMT

@venkatesh018 Morkel and Bravo don't belong in that list. Bravo can bowl, can attack with the bat and is an exceptional fielder, and the Windies would love to have him. Since Kallis has been out of form with the bat, Albie is the best South African allrounder at the moment.

Congenial
on May 24, 2012, 7:42 GMT

If Sachin want to win IPL he will have to join CSK. But the problem is, there is no room for him in the team as all the slots are taken by youngsters and he will have to warm the benches like Faf, Bailey, Styris, Kula or he can keep playing for MI for another 20 years, they might win one in 2025.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 7:38 GMT

When the MI wre still experimenting with their strategy, Chennai had a settled team. This team has been there for quite long and it proved to win matches for them despite of sme crashes. Since Kulkarni performed greatly against the RR & the opening successful stand of sachin & smith won ONE match for them, they adopted the same strategy on a important knock-out game. Bajji, u got to be kidding me. When u cme to this level of the tournament obviously go for the reliable team. Nt smething that u experimented in 1 match. Resources wise Mumbai had chances to win this match. But it was poor resource management & tactics from Bajji. Atleast next time use the league matches to settle with good team n enter the playoffs with that team. It might give u sme chances next time. CSK are not unbeatable. It's other teams mistakes & poor captaincies that makes CSK unbeatable. CSK vs KKR will be the real good match to watch. Coz Shewag has this attitude problem & it always reflects in their imp matches

R
on May 24, 2012, 7:29 GMT

Dhoni's surely one of the all-time great limited overs captains! and one of the best limited overs innings finishers! He's just not cut out for test cricket. So he wouldn't figure in my list of all time cricket captains. To be honest I think he should retire from tests and make way for someone like Gautam Gambhir or even Virat Kohli and allow a new test wicketkeeper to emerge.

sirsak
on May 24, 2012, 7:12 GMT

@csk fans.dont worry guys.luck will not favour u forever.i just hope u atleast make a good match against delhi rather than a one sided contest.mumbai was not a consistent team.delhi is far far better than mumbai.first beat delhi and then u can say u r the best.from delhi s point of view they can use tommorow s match against chennai as a practice match for the finals.go delhi go beat this 2 overrated team first csk and then kkr and show them their original place

Sifiso
on May 24, 2012, 7:08 GMT

Highlights of the match for me: 1. Dhoni's helicopter shot. 2. The one footed six by Bravo over the covers, just sheer power! 3. Morkel's first of his spell to get rid of Karthik. Low(s) of the match, Harbhajan's bowling changes, completely off! And congrats CSK, you certainly deserve the tag of being the team that steps up on big occasions!

Dakshitha
on May 24, 2012, 7:02 GMT

Why do Lot of IPL teams make same mistake of having inexperienced batsman in the middle order & keeps a strong batsman too late.
Mumbai - Pollard
Delhi - Ross Taylor

Ash
on May 24, 2012, 7:00 GMT

Btw, where are the people who criticised Dhoni's batting?? There can be no better way as this, to rubbish all the comments and let his bat do the talking!!! Dhoni is a natural leader..He led from the front to prove himself..Hats off Mahi!!!! :)

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 6:56 GMT

It's non-sense when someone say it's CSK's luck to be in the play-offs first of all. It's clearly the points and the run-rate, hence their performance took them here. Close match wins are a part of this format. Unlike other teams CSK didn't hv many of their players in good form since the start of the tournament. This match won by CSK is absolutely a team effort. There were some edges for badri n hussey earlier in the innings. But it happnd for MI as well. Smith got his 1st boundary by edge. What matters is with 2 wkts fallen for 1, they managed to make 187/5. Cutting out Jadeja's wicket, they did 185 for the loss of just 2 wickets. A partnership averaging 90 per pair. If 4 of ur 1st 6 batsmen play sensible cricket, just a 40 each, and with wickts in hand, it's easy for a team to get to 180 mark. Individual performances r nt reliable. But team performances are. KKR wre the best team this season. DD crumbles under pressure. If CSK plays with same team spirit then we've a good finale!!!

Ash
on May 24, 2012, 6:51 GMT

Whoaaa..What an innings by MSD..We can't forget Badri's, Bravo's and Hussey's efforts as well.. These blitzkreig innings proved too much for MI to handle..Way to go, CSK!!! We Chennaites are proud of you guys :)

vikram
on May 24, 2012, 6:46 GMT

Mumbai Indians always plays in pressure in playoffs...This match also shows change in batting order that too not as per situation always cost u games again and again...
(earlier it costed delhi to hold Ross Taylor upto last) and now mumbai has holded their explosive powers Rayudu and Pollard after the asking Run rate climbed over 12 and nothing much was left in the match....Very same as 2010 final...Why they don't believe that Rayudu can maximum should comes at No.4 (ideally 3)...but just to boost the career of Rohit Sharma they are losing Matches after Matches as well as IPL after IPL by pushing down Rayudu to lower order...Rohit may be a good or class player but Rayudu is a match winner with killer instinct.....He is the very few of player with good defense and good attack..

Senthil
on May 24, 2012, 6:37 GMT

Moral of the story - If you want to eat the food, don't invite Mr. Lion and his family to share the table with you! Are you kidding me, Mumbai Indians? Bhajji! What the heck is that nonsense trying six bowlers in nine overs? And your reason - to see if seamers could pick up some more wickets? Sure, nice strategy against two really sticky customers like Badri and Hussey! You sure got some lions at the right time, after they had eaten and stomachs were full! Guess what? More fresh and hungry lions coming! Sorry Matey, when Malinga goes for 41 for 0, the rest of your bowlers do look thin. We don't even have to talk about Dhoni in that sort of hunting mood. Where is CSK getting energy from? From the sun, it seems.

Kall
on May 24, 2012, 6:36 GMT

Harbhajan is not a bowler that he was. He is not a fielder and batsman by any means and certainly not a captain by any stretch of imagination! His not going for the kill at CSK 2/1 let them get back into the game!
Poor captaincy lost the game for Mumbai.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 6:34 GMT

Dhoni played a winner at the end along with Bravo,but it was again the unsung hero(Badri) who along with Huss took CSK to that position.CSK were in a similar position at Dharmashala and v definitely missed Badri there..Proud to be a Badri fan

Shaikh
on May 24, 2012, 6:28 GMT

Somebody please show the 'exit door' to sachin. He's not good enough to play in this format, not even ODIs. He should play in the Tests, because india does not have any single quality player in the side who couls play test cricket.

BUT THEY DONT HAVE A CAPTAIN with good cricketing brain and support staff who can make good strategies. I think they should try to get a good captain, Sangakkara can be the best option

Shaikh
on May 24, 2012, 6:26 GMT

Amazing to see how the Australian Never-Say-Die attitude has been followed by CSK. Seems that MSD has learnt few things from the likes of Mike Hussey. One should not Husseys' contribution in the innings, he, along with Badri, steadied the ship based on which MSD could go on with his crazy batting. Had Hussey couldnt do it, it would have been another 'test match' batting by MSD.

VENKATACHALAM
on May 24, 2012, 6:23 GMT

I still maintain CSK is a team of average cricketers prospering in a very average league...Dwayne Bravo,Albie Morkel, Jakati, Raina, Jadeja, Badrinath, Vijay wil not make any international XI with their skills.

sachin
on May 24, 2012, 6:19 GMT

Magical batting performance from dhoni and a allround good performance from bravo. MI still have not learned from there mistakes made in the past. Pollard cannot make all the runs by himself batting that low in the batting order. Also bravo seems to be learning to bat in the later overs from dhoni, these two appear to be the best batting pair to finish an innings the IPL this year. All the best to DD on friday will be exciting game.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 6:19 GMT

Well Said!! Jindal Priyank :)

Lalith
on May 24, 2012, 5:58 GMT

Harbajan made a big mistake by choosing field first in this high pressure game. Opening the batting with Smith and Sachin caused another damage by runout of Sachin.....Smith should go 4/5 down taking charge in final overs. And I think Malinga was not fit in the latter part of the tournament. Congrads to CSK.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 5:37 GMT

CSK carried its luck for Badri and Mike, the way they were surviving nicks after nicks, can only happen if one is immensly lucky. But Dhoni showed last day why he is one of the feared and respected player of our time. Simply amazing, the cherry being the helicopter shot. His intention was clear from ball1 and there was nothing in MI's arsenal to stop him. Great game by CSK, Dhoni truly lead from the front.
They were aslo assisted by wrong team selection and a coward captain of MI, who pushed Kulkarni infront of Dhoni and Bravo and did not complete his quota of 4 overs. He is so selfish and mean minded that he is more worried about his bowling stats than MIs fortune. What MI should do in next season is find a captain couaregeous and replace this meek and weak one with him.

mrunal
on May 24, 2012, 5:31 GMT

AFTER A LONG LONG DAY DHONI HAS SHOWED HIS SKILLS.ALL 2 SIXES ARE AMAZING.HE HAS BACK TO HIS HELICAPTOR SHOT.CSK IS DOING WELL BUT SEEMS LIKE KKR WIL TOKE THE CUP.BEST OF LUCK CSK FOR NEXT MATCH WITH DOUBLE "D"

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 5:30 GMT

This article is great to read...Buttttttt....do you think the innings that Dwayne Bravo playes is worth mentioning. And Bravo should be given MOM instead of Dhoni, since bravo got two wickets and bowled some tight spells........

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 5:29 GMT

Dhoni's 51* one of the greatest innings by a captain in IPL-5...CSK once again proved that they are the true champions of IPL...Dhoni can do hattrick IPL title..All the best CSK!!!

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 5:29 GMT

there is a great problem with MI thinking. They buy players on the basis of current performance no matter whether they will be able to cope with indian conditions or not . In 2nd IPL they picked Duminy after his excellent performance in Australia but he failed to make the mark, then in 3rd IPL they bought Pollard who failed to live up to expectations (MI still dont know how to make best use of the pollard explosive skills) & now they picked Richard Levi just because of his 45 balls century on a small ground. MI still dont have a good middle order batsman (except rohit & rayudu). One of the biggest shocking decision made by MI management is buying Thisara Perera for 650000 dollars (they bought him because of his 34 balls 64 against SA is SA). IN the auction, they should have gone for BRAD HODGE and CHANDIMAL or OWAIS SHAH to solve their middle order worry.

karthik
on May 24, 2012, 5:29 GMT

EXCELLENT match for csk fans. ONCE again MI has done lot of mistake in big game. MI has the best players in their squad. why pollard was in no 7 or 8.he must batted above the order.otherwise MI CAN NOT WIN A SINGLE TITLE .WHY FRANKLIN?????HE IS NOT A BIG HITTER.and strike bowler.he bowl just one over and take 13 runs from 13 balls. ROHITH SHARMA will be better bowler than branklin.inplace of franklin they have to select perara or gibbs.they have just played with 10 man.GOOD PERFORMANCE BY CSK .CSK didn't reley on single player.they win by great team work.once again bathrinath show his talent.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 5:26 GMT

Great ! The most spectacular innings of IPL 2012. MSD done it again for CSK. How get maximum when luck favours you, anybody can learn from MSD. In whole tournament there are few players from both team were playing this match who won match for there team. Rohit Sharma ( against DC/KKR ), Pollord ( against RR ), Smith ( against CSK ) etc. But no MSD till today. and today he blasts at right time. As Yusuf did in first qulifier, MSD did here. One inning makes you extraordinary player. All critick ends here. Rohit, Pollord, Raydu, Smith, Malinga all flops on the same day. It was simply MSD's day. He has nothing to loose and MI has everything to loose. So it happens. It is T20 cricket........Really a dream happenings for CSK. They were out of the tournament when they lost against Punjab. But DC showed way to RR & RCB, CSK came in and........... Great ! Never mind MI. You played well thrugh out. A bad day cant judge your performance. Well played MSD & CSK. Now prefer MSD to take trophy.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 5:25 GMT

We all know CSK has the experience of playing high pressure crunch games.Yesterday's match v/s MI was the perfect example. I mean recovering for 4/2 of 3 overs to 187/5 was a pure master class. Dhoni once again coming to good form at the business end of the tournament. The next big question is can MSD and CSK Deliver for next two matches to make it a Hatrick of Titles...Go CSK:):):)

Thyagarajan
on May 24, 2012, 5:23 GMT

CSK showed today what they are really made of. Everybody has a role to play and that came to the fore. When 2 quick wickets fell, Badri was amazing. Played his role to the T. And then Dhoni took charge and did what he does best, hitting the longest six of the season and almost the quickest 50 as well. And then the bowlers/fielders played their part. Bravo was just brilliant and his friendly banter with Pollard was absolutely cute. I am becoming a Bravo fan now. Go CSK, just 2 more hurdles to cross.

G
on May 24, 2012, 5:21 GMT

CSK you beauty !! bring on DD

Nataraj
on May 24, 2012, 5:16 GMT

U r right Chaitu87. CSK are always the best when it comes to pressure situations. No team handles pressure like CSK. But CSK has to be cautious against the Delhi attack and make sure they dont lose wickets as it happened yesterday. Both Delhi and KKR have Morkel and Narine followed by bowlers like Aaron, Yadav, Kallis, Balaji. So CSK have a daunting task ahead. ALL THE BEST CSK.

SUNIL
on May 24, 2012, 5:15 GMT

Men in Yellow (aussies or csk ) are like phoneix..raises from the dead..!! CSK's win has changed the mindset, body language from the past few mathces. Now this team looks like perfect champions..! Dhoni's should play this natural way and commanding the bowlers.. whn he plays slows looks vulnerable...! Great job dne by Badri,Bravo too..!! others need to raise their game if CSK has to lift the cup. all the best CSK...

Ruhan
on May 24, 2012, 5:10 GMT

@all: guys you all are very sensitive. Let CSK win the cup first....

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 5:08 GMT

Tis is CSK.. Doing right things at right time is CSKs fashion... LIONS started their hunt ... NO one can beet them in their jungle....CSK "The king of IPL" ........ Triump is only for lions; IPL5 is only for CSK....

Anver
on May 24, 2012, 4:58 GMT

MB played some poor cricket during the League Stages..... hence i think they were not 100% confidence & ready for this game with CSK........ a runaway victory for Dhoni & co !!!!!!

SVSNK
on May 24, 2012, 4:53 GMT

CSK have once again showed why they are into final 4 for the 5th time in a row....such a formidable side.... this is the major difference between CSK and rest of the teams... In a high pressure game when they got off to a start like 4/2 in 3 overs..... no team could possibly recover the way CSK did.... They have big match players... The forms of Vijay and Raina, although concern a bit, shouldn't affect the team's morale... remember they were not in so great forms in the last IPL as well but turned around the matches in the qualifiers and finals... Looking forward to another thrilling contest on Friday.... If Viru and Warner get going, no bowler can stop them...

Anver
on May 24, 2012, 4:50 GMT

"Calypso Style Knocks" (C-S-K) by Dhoni & Bravo in the death overs helped "CSK" to pose a big score & win it comfortably... Can Dhoni win this year's IPL title & make it 3 in a row ????? (HATRICK) All the Best to CSK !!!!!!!

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 4:44 GMT

how can MI win wid such a team..
Munaf leading wicket taker kept ou n R.P. singh played who was hammered in every game
GIBBS kept out havin franklin in who playes 1 match well in 10 n also slow at field...
y dinesh karthik got so much chances,,,,newer delivers his batting 2 his fulllest.....slogggish during keeping also...dropin catches misfieldin n also missin stumpings...
for such a crucial game MI cant win wid such sloogy teams...

@Balachandran Mohan - How long can CSK be in the reckoning? Not any longer. After CSK loses on Friday, I will be the first to post a big LOL.

joseph
on May 24, 2012, 4:18 GMT

Glad to see CSK reigns and they do it as they are a very talented side. MI fail to understand still that Pollard is not a super man to blast. You cannot blame 4, 5,6,7 players as they cannot provide a fire start. Vjay and Raina's conitue failure ofcourse a point to worry, but we will stick to them. Seems like there is a good Bond

Bhran
on May 24, 2012, 4:16 GMT

@TheUltimateTruth : There were no one like Dhoni bashers, we want him to play like this. I dont know y he slows down himself in the previous matches. May be the pitch reason !!! This is a real and young dhoni, We want him to play like this in every matches. Am supporting CSK for the C - Chennai my capital and my city. Go CSK

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 4:01 GMT

Hi good to see CSK still in reckoning, well for those who wrote them off, a big LOL,
Doni is doni and he had decided to show his class only from quarterfinals. Other teams and critics better watch out.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 3:56 GMT

Consistency is the main issue for MI this season although they have their best team in all IPL. Their highest run getter (Sachin) for last three seasons was never get going & Malinga somehow forgot to knack of taking wkts in later half of tournament (2 wkt in last 7 games) are the main reason with opening combination (they never had), hot & cold Rohit, Harbhajan too timid to complete his quota & not to talk about his wkt taking capabilities, somewhat hyped Pollard batting although he had his best season, & MI picking one or two match wonder player rather than seasonal players. Nevertheless they finished third, second best win loss ratio & won most no. of match in India all IPL put together, they are second most consistent team after CSK.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 3:54 GMT

CSK is the best...there is no doubt....Mumbai were the favorites yesterday and the CSK boys being the underdogs...people stated that CSK were there by fluke ....as if we did not make the seventeen points....the win shut the overflowing mouths of many....Dhoni is undoubtedly the KING of the Chennai Super Kings....way to go guys ...we are with you all the way .....play as a team and win the cup ....

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 3:41 GMT

People are commenting that Mumbai Indians not deserved in top 4, they won only one less than top finisher, same as no.2 team and at least 2 or more than others so I don't think its unjustified. & about wining tight game if same happened with team like chennai (CSK won some like that only) people would praise captaincy & ability to fetch match from no where etc.

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 3:32 GMT

CSK should drop ravindra jadeja and he should be replaced by vasudevadas..

@neerajprasher : Why don't you name replacements who will surely bring the cup back? Experience is always a key factor.. IPL is different and internationals are different.. Lets not confuse both..

Satish
on May 24, 2012, 3:20 GMT

What a win.. Finall, M S D is back to what he does at his best.. After a long time, saw murderous hittings and astute captaincy from him.. His recent deserted luck came back when three results favored entry for CSK into playoff and we all know when things go his way a bit, how well MSD cashes on it.. Luck will be there for everyone and how well they cash it is the key.. Being alert to the opportunity separates the best from the rest.. To defend any score on Bangalore track and sma,l ground against some of the biggest hitters requires lots of effort from bowlers.. Jakati and Ash were excellent in 10 overs and Morkel increased the pressure with key wkts.. Bravo just spun a web around Pollard and what a send off it was :-) Great game for CSK.. DD in Chepauk should be manageable if CSK gets the DD openers soon.. KKR will be the favorites in Chepauk against any team..

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 3:15 GMT

Team which matters utmost in final crunch situations is CAPTAINED by best of all time MR.COOL MSD ... See his inngs inthe world cup finals and now... His ablity to change the complexion of game is witnessed in both occasion...

Arvind
on May 24, 2012, 3:12 GMT

well done csk!! nice to c u win..........

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 3:03 GMT

where is mumbai indian fans!!!!!!!!!!

Karthikeyan
on May 24, 2012, 2:52 GMT

The difference between CSK Vs MI was their confidence level. In yesterday match, MI was not confident enough to beat CSK, it showed when bajji's speech in presentation.
Always It was battle between MSD and Mallinga, finally MSD won the battle becoz of his confidence and commitment.

SWAMINATHAN
on May 24, 2012, 2:46 GMT

Sooooopeeerrr!!! Great Play by CSK !!!

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 2:37 GMT

CSK reached playoffs by "various reasons", but from there, their championship defense has begun in earnest. The only team consistent this season in playing as a team is KKR and they are already in the finals and they deserved it. Now, we are suddenly encountering another team that out of nowhere, have just started to play more like how they used to play throughout all these years. A serious confidence breaker for DD. And whoever KKR is going to meet in the final, I believe technically they have the edge, but there is the big stage pressure factor which MS's men are known to put at ease but VS's men have choked more under pressure. If CSK wins the Q2, then we have a match worthy for a final.

Madhu
on May 24, 2012, 2:29 GMT

I hope DD makes it to finals

Panneer
on May 24, 2012, 2:29 GMT

Everybody telling "Dhoni's Luck" "Dhoni's Luck." This time they won't. Luck will not favor those who did nothing. CSK did a lot on the field. Yesterday's match is an example. no luck factor favors there. They lost the toss and lost two early wickets, after that simply extraordinary shows by Dhoni, Bravo and decent efforts from bowlers and fielders!!! Go CSK!

Aryan
on May 24, 2012, 2:27 GMT

CSK is like Australia-true champions - play like a team and win big games- MI is like India or WI-individual brillance but will fail in big events-T20 is all about leadership Bhaji is no match to Dhoni. It is impossible for a team to win such a crucial encounter with so many blunders as MI did today-starting with team selection- only 1 struggling spinner in the team packed with medium pacers in Indian conditions. what was Franklin doing in the team knowing that he will not bowl much? amazing decisions on the field - Bhaji not bowling out his quota just because ofone bad over - what was the logic of holding Pollard back when you are chasing such a big score? MI keeps on repeating the mistakes in all IPL- MI needs a new think tank and get away from the current think tank of Bhaji Sachin and Robin- feel bad for Pollack i am sure he is sidelined. get a new captain and coach Nita or else inspite of the richest team will never win IPL- learn from KKR how a new captain makes all the differenc

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 2:05 GMT

power behind CSK is we "Loyal CSK Fans:...rgeradless of what you do, we will back you...WE ARE THE CHAMIONS (whether we win this time or not)

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 1:56 GMT

hm... huge comments... supporters supporting their own teams... nice to see this atmosphere.. coming to what happened yesterday was a team which responded and played a good cricket at right time right pace.. till a captain like dhoni is in front of a team things will happen only this way.. im not a dhoni fan or against others im a lover of cricket... lets believe cricket wins ultimately ok we need a good cricket and i think we got that this season.. lot of nail biting games this season... :)

Prashant
on May 24, 2012, 1:43 GMT

I think CSK play like this intentionally. They start slow just so they can trick other teams in to believing they are easy-beats, but they do just enough to make sure they qualify past the league phase. And after that, bam! bam! bam! 3 matches, 3 wins, lift the trophy!

Prashant
on May 24, 2012, 1:35 GMT

@bball_fan, Dhoni has done that before. Partly at least. And it's only a matter of time before he does it properly. The last Eng and Aus test series, he had to contend with ageing and non-performing senior players in the team. Once they are all gone, Dhoni will mold a young world beating Test team.

Salem Ramaaswamy
on May 24, 2012, 1:30 GMT

A deserving win Just a contrast in fighting character. CSK rose from the depth of 17 for 2 in 5 overs. MI plummeted from the height of 50 for no loss in 5 overs
Badri, Dhoni,Bravo Morkel need special mention
For heaven's sake do not post that Srinivasan manipulated the win and CSK won because of luck Such comments are insult to t20 cricketing skills
CSK is big match favourite for 3 seasons

Mohammed
on May 24, 2012, 1:16 GMT

Dhoni played well today, by played well I mean scored few runs for his side, it really doesn't matter how the runs come in twenty20 as long as they come even if its in Dhon's Style (un-orthodox street style). CSK did not desrve to be in the playoffs stage, its a team that is being hyped for nothing, the only notable players they have are Hilfenhaus, A.Morkel and may be S.Raina...but DD for sure is gonna knock them off.

Roger
on May 24, 2012, 1:02 GMT

Bravo is the man of the tournament. Contributed each time he got to bat or bowl or field.

VJ
on May 24, 2012, 0:58 GMT

@Sumit Banerjee
Might of DD..LOL..What a joke :D if I remember correctly 115 was what your "MIGHTY" delhi scored last time they faced CSK

Ravi
on May 24, 2012, 0:55 GMT

On the day RCB got knocked out and CSK made it to play offs, I read one of the comment here. It says "Here you go, In each of 3 games someone go NUTS from CSK and clinch the title". Here you go today, not one but two (MSD, Bravo) went NUTS and knocked out the MI (who qualified play off about 3 weeks ago and the decent performers of this session). I know it is too early and CSK has to meet DD and KKR. But don't forget how DD collapsed against CSK. No wonder people hate CSK and MSD LOL!!!
Oh Did I say I am from Chennai and die-hard fan of Captain Cool MSD

Dummy4
on May 24, 2012, 0:50 GMT

Dhoni's 'helicopter shot' off Malinga was a spectacle to watch. Bravo's 'flying shot' was out of the world. This is what everyone wants to watch in IPL.

Venkat
on May 23, 2012, 23:54 GMT

Some of the most expensive players never produced. D Karthik, Jadeja, Y Pathan (Ok he did it in the Q1), S Tiwary are few. Folks like Jakati, Badri and cheap buys like Gayle - amazing!

I am happy to see MI lose - they really did not deserve to be in the final Four - so was CSK. It may make some MI fans and CSK fans to scream foul but boy CSK is riding their luck.

With this type of luck favoring them watch out DD. In a slow pitch at Chepauk Morne will be made ineffective. Wonder Warner and Sehwag (who can thrash a bowling attack on a slow pitch - ideal for him to play from his crease) will get going against some quality spin.

Go CSK. Chepauk is not the fortress it used to be. Time to make it one!

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 23:53 GMT

In addition to their indebtedness to RCB for making it this far, CSK must now thank the Mumbai Idiots that Dhoni and company did not have to face the Mumbai Indians. CSK will probably win it all after a mediocre season. But that's precisely what we have come to expect from the outrageous uncertainties of the 20/20 format.

neeraj
on May 23, 2012, 23:32 GMT

Poor performance by Rohit sharma,Suresh raina,Ravindera jadeja,Parveen kumar,Yusuf pathan. i bet all these going to play in T20 World cup.Everyone say about Raina is good i dont why they say that.he is playing for india for a long time now didnt perform well.Dhoni likes him thats Why he is in the team CSK brothers.

Univ
on May 23, 2012, 23:18 GMT

As always, when it comes to champions it is never say never again. Well done Badri, this is the game we expect from you every single match. Shake off those tentative looks and shots, you are an IPL veteran, play like one. How about a beefed up batting line up against Delhi. Jadeja has to mature, may be Aniruth can be useful. Just a thought. If CSK is going to be in the finals it will be because of their bowling not batting. Beware of Viru (triple centurian) and Warner in Chennai.

bhanu
on May 23, 2012, 22:49 GMT

Comparing an innings in a t20 to a milestone (not just for the player but for the cricket) shows how 'I need not say' you are. You are more of a sachin hater, it is ok to not like a player but make comments which makes a fraction of sense if it is not too much for you. BTW I am more of a dhoni fan than sachin

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 22:37 GMT

Careful analysis of the League stage put Mumbai as the weakest team in the play-off stage.Chill CSK has beaten only the weakest and they cant even stand against might of Delhi Let alone KKR.DD is a very good side even that they lost against KKR and in this season they haven't lost two in a row.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 22:36 GMT

Gr8...Gr8...performance CSK...Go boys.....vetri namathe....welcome to CHEPAUK....What is IPL? A league were 8 other teams slug it out to meet Chennai in play offs and lose it to the kings....two more and we are on our way

DHARMENDRA
on May 23, 2012, 22:35 GMT

Premier League stands for League matches and the eventual winner is decided on whoever is number one on the points table. Else there is no point of naming it 'Premier League'. Check the Barclays Premier League in football. Just as how Man City won the title. Crazy cricket league where team not performing throughout the league stages can be eventual winner.

Other point in the league matches is that you have home and away games to take away any advantage or disadvantage to any particular team. When you have playoffs, then certain teams where the matches are played will have advantage or disadvantage.

Come on, If you really wish to do this play offs etc, name this Premier Cup and do not play so many league games, waste of time if you have to eliminate on the basis of play offs. This comment is not based on support or against any particular team but directed against the complete rubbish format.

India
on May 23, 2012, 22:31 GMT

Mahendra Singh Dhoni .. The Man! :)

Arun
on May 23, 2012, 22:24 GMT

Let's not get carried away - all our Indian players are tigers only in the sub-continent. I wish to see a day when they beat SA in SA and AUS in AUS in a Test series.

That, my friend, will seal MSD's name in the Hall of Fame - not this backstreet IPL tamasha ......

Peace

PS : I am myself a CSK fan.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 22:17 GMT

love u sooo much CHENNAI GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AND FIRE , IN SEMIS AND FINALS RETAIN THE CUP................REMEMBER IF U ROAR OTHER WIL HIDE...........

venkat
on May 23, 2012, 22:01 GMT

T20 is an unpredictable format. Although CSK has shown remarkable consistency in the key games, a win today against MI is no big indication of an impending win against DD. Dhoni's strokes came off great today because the pitch was more docile than in many of the other venues. Most of the Chennai pitches have been quite difficult for stroke play. If Anirudh is healthy CSK should play him instead of Vijay. Badri can open with Hussey. Albie should come up the order, at least ahead of Jadeja. If he fails, he will fail quickly and that will still leave enough balls for Jadeja. In fact, Jadeja not wasting too many balls today was a big reason why CSK posted such a competitive score.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 21:48 GMT

No words for DHONI. He is simply not only the best captain but also crucial situation manager.From my perspective he have the capability of turning the table all the time. I guess there is more to come.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 21:47 GMT

MSD should play his natural game as he did today....should not b too defensive....god knows why he is playing defensive in INDIA's matches....IPL is different than international....whether csk win or not he should play like this....MSD shown his power... defensive makes him nervous and also india....the form of any indian player in IPL is not helped INDIA...there is big tournament ahead

TR
on May 23, 2012, 21:38 GMT

Give little good pitch and CSK will score a minimum of 180 for sure. That is their batting line up. Badri is MHussey of India (only that he is unlucky not to be playing for India). This year CSK's batting struggled only because the Chennai pitch was messed up to have slow-low quality. More importantly, as Raina also said, Chennai practice pitches are very dissimilar to Chennai match pitches and made it hard for them in Chennai matches. Other than that, the only other factor to overcome for CSK is the Sunil Narine. I dont see anything else threatening CSK's 3rd cup win.

Ashwanth
on May 23, 2012, 21:33 GMT

Great performance by The KINGS. Though I'd like to see a few changes in the lineup. Badri should come in @ 3 if we loose a wicket early. Raina early in @ 3 hasn't worked this year and won't work bcoz he lacks the confidence + form to stabilize the innings. He tries to get on with it from the word go and loses his wicket. What a waste today. Instead he should come in @ 4 and then followed by Dhoni, Bravo/Morkel, Morkel/Bravo and then the $2M guy.

Today luckily Jaddu got out early, meaning he didn't get to waste the balls like he has done all along the league phase. All the credit should go to him :P

Hope we learn from our few mistakes that we committed today. GO CSK!!!

saurav
on May 23, 2012, 21:14 GMT

(from KKR fan )_well my 2nd fav team won today . And my fav captain dhoni shut MI out . Dhoni is a player when it matters. And now action shifts to chennai ...... its going to be tough for DD in the 2nd QUALIFIER as the pitch in chennai favours spin than fast bowling !!!!! will be great to see an KKR vs DD final as the pitch will favour both side becozz its SPIN SPIN SPIN for the both sides .And delhi has lost the power it had in the starting of the IPL as peterson left.They are heavely dependent on viru , david and mahila. And their bowlers are gonna struggle in chennai !!!!!!. Well done CSK and hope for a CSK and KKR final

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 21:00 GMT

I dont understand the reason for taking Franklin in the team ...He anyways bowls one over everytime.. concedes > 10 runs in that..Why not opt for a regular bastman in his place..
Anyways.. MI never deserved a place in the finals.. and so did CSK..
My good luck is with DD

des
on May 23, 2012, 20:41 GMT

Glad CSK won, MI deserve to be out after the terrible attitude displayed by their players during the tournament. They are a disgrace.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 20:36 GMT

this is what happens when csk are in playoffs.........!!!!

iqbal
on May 23, 2012, 20:22 GMT

MSD rises to the occasion yet again. Not a fan of Super Kings, but what a performance from MSD today.

As a DD fan I am getting a little nervous now. I still think DD has a better than 50% of winning.
DD vs. Super Kings: The batting might be comparable with DD having better batsmen at the top while Super Kings has a better middle and lower order. DD is still ahead in the bowling department. X factor, of course, is MSD. If either Sehwag or Warner can stay on for 8 overs plus, we should see DD coast. I would like to see DD bat first. I think SuperKings will chase down any score the way there lower order is firing.

Stalwart07
on May 23, 2012, 20:16 GMT

Dhoni's innings is worthy than the 100th hundred innings. What is he made off.

Vijay
on May 23, 2012, 20:14 GMT

Okay CSK fans, just cool down. I'm a hardcore CSK fan myself but most of your comments are euphoric to the core. MI is just on team that CSK had to beat. We still have hurdles in a strong DD and an uber-strong KKR with their Sunil Narine, Gambhir, McCullum, Kallis, Bret Lee, etc if we have to lift the trophy again.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 20:11 GMT

Have you seen Narnia. Don't ever give life to Lion, if it happens you know the fate

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 20:07 GMT

Mahi always plays his natural game in do or die match against opposition.That's is his beauty of Cricket...................Jai Mahi ............Jai Jharkhand.

Shanmugam
on May 23, 2012, 20:05 GMT

CSK ought to be the best IPL team ever. What a comeback! I predicted that if they enter the knockout stages, they will win it all the way. By beating a very strong Mumbai team convincingly, they have moved closer in proving me right. Come Sunday, we will see CSK crowned the champions for the third consecutive time. Go CSK.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 19:59 GMT

lemme see aganist Delhi how the so called lucky champions play

Vignesh
on May 23, 2012, 19:49 GMT

CSK--> ya we never deserved to be in playofffss... must be in finals directly !!!
Thats how u do it.. MIND IT

Mayank
on May 23, 2012, 19:47 GMT

its high tym for all those who were shouting luck on behalf of CSK n Dhoni.....to keep their mouth shut now...d man needs to be admired aftrall for his amazing guts..kudos DHONI....

Ty
on May 23, 2012, 19:47 GMT

surprise ... surprise ... the 'super' team wins again ... next episode ... DD bows there heads as well ... as someone said ... it is ... all teams against CSK ... performance or not ... politics rule ... cause CSK must win 3 in a row for their super'man' ... just keep watching ... congratulations CSK and better 'un'luck next time to all the other teams ...

MahesH
on May 23, 2012, 19:43 GMT

Petrol Prices ar up by Dhoni sixers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gajapathy
on May 23, 2012, 19:38 GMT

mr.talya, CSK scored 73 for the loss of 1 wicket inn the last 5 (16-20) overs and not 59 for 0 wickets as you have tabulated.

MahesH
on May 23, 2012, 19:37 GMT

Huh Come on CSk Congrats! Please send badri at 3 next time and try to drop vijay for Mukund and keep Jadeja down in the Batting order

allen
on May 23, 2012, 19:35 GMT

Poor MI... The One thing they did wright nd helped CSK to win tis match is by Taking a superb catch running behind to dismiss Jadeja... Result... 78 runs off last 29 Balls... The Move to open wit smith backfired them... He is good finisher than a pinch hitter at the top order... Once he is out, its all over... As we know Sharma wil produce gem once in every 10 innings, unfortunate for MI tat it came against KKR... So No Stopping CSK...

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 19:35 GMT

MI fans consoling RCB fans that they would kick out CSK for them...haha. I don't want to taunt anyone, the point is CSK is a champion team, I would say this even if CSK lost today. So respect them when they win rather then complaining about the team. I oersonally feel KKR are favourites this year, but as always hope that CSK wins, who knows they might just do the unthinkable :)

A proud CSK fan.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 19:34 GMT

Captain India Proves He is the Best!!

Shijith
on May 23, 2012, 19:31 GMT

I hated australia for the same reason for which i hate CSK..they play well on big occations. CSK has to get 3 results in their favour to get a position in the play offs & even gods were favouring them this time to get into the palyoffs.Once they gets there, they become a differant team altogether. Now some invidual magics can only stop them from getting their third consecutive title. Hope that one magical performance comes from the bat of Viru sehwag.

Prashant
on May 23, 2012, 19:28 GMT

I was waiting for this report to be published fully and comments opened up, so I can type this:
CSK! CSK! CSK! CSK! CSK! CSK! CSK! Wooohoooo

Tom
on May 23, 2012, 19:23 GMT

Cricket is a team sport. Ah it again proved today. human nature is to look for heroes, but cricket is a team game. Mumbai did not play as a team, they took it lightly. Its not who win or loose, its all about the fight in the game. now the semifinals and finals would be a game to watch. bravo CSK!.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 19:23 GMT

Good bye mumbai.. Need more maturity to chase these kind of big scores... It will happen for you in normal circumstances but in a knock out stage you cannot handle the pressure. Hope you have seen how CSK came back after 9th over. Dhoni leading from the front when it really mattered. Love you CSK and all the best for you next two games..........:)

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 19:17 GMT

Dhoni and Bravo stood between Mumbai and victory .

Jyotirmoy
on May 23, 2012, 19:13 GMT

After all that said about CSK/MSD, it is indeed a good way to shut the mouth of critics. Even the preview of this match on cricinfo says MI has and edge over CSK and that CSK was lucky to be there in the playoffs. All that is history now and people should respect the caliber of Dhoni.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 19:12 GMT

not much to say....poor cricket by MI......how on earth they could send Franklin ahead of Rayudu and Pollard???....hard to understand.........I think now it will be really hard to stop CSK from winning the 3rd straight title!!!!

Pon
on May 23, 2012, 19:12 GMT

To those MI supporters and CSK bashers a warning issued by dhoni " today the balled landed in gateway India from Bangalore... In next match " the ball will land in front of the gates of parliament from chennai.... Shewag... RAISE YOUR HANDS for chennai and surrender yourself to avoid DHONI STORM.... HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA ... WHAT A SHOT...... 112 metres..... Ooooooppps.....

Nikhil
on May 23, 2012, 19:12 GMT

Chennai going full out knowing they are within the reach of the title. Good work by Dhoni & Co. Gr8 win today. We'll see if the batting heavyweights and pace bowlers of DD can do some damage. Hopefully the upcoming matches will be bit more exciting :) Good luck!

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 19:11 GMT

MI played the match with the round robbin match instesity and CSK came with elemination mind set, the result is there for all to see
MI should have played first and allowed them to Chase, CSK they chase well but by puttiing themunder immense pressure the wheel of their innings would have come out
unfortunarely the went from strength to srenght and mi lost hope and meeekly surredered

CSK is capable of doing such feats even agaibst DD at Chennai so e careful win toss chppse battinh

Shantanu
on May 23, 2012, 19:11 GMT

Malinga had an off day and so did Mumbai. The points accumulated from those last bowl finishes put them in the play offs but that was sitting on knife edge. And in a crunch knockout they got bruised. Its high time they should send Pollard up the order and come out of shadows of Tendulkar. CSK accepted gleefully what it got from Mumbai. I didnt see the full game but Man of the moment for Chennai has been Bravo. He has been their best player this season for sheer consistency of useful bowling and batting performances. CSK has been riding on their luck so far but this game they looked far more settled. It is imperative in a long event like IPL that while batting and bowling a few order changes are there but not as ridiculous as Dhoni batting at 7. CSK playing at home and with their luck should have an edge but if Delhi openers do well it would be Delhi who should consider playing 2 spinners.

kumar
on May 23, 2012, 19:10 GMT

Mumbai has not learned anything from their past mistakes.Sending Franklin and Karthick ahead of pollard and rayuadu.Pathetic and missed the trick in the final overs

GSP
on May 23, 2012, 19:05 GMT

CSK once again proved that they are the true champions of IPL...

Prashant
on May 23, 2012, 19:05 GMT

Mr. Dhoni, I will never ever doubt your abilities again. You are the man! What a telling blow! To me, you are the IPL champions. I say this because, I KNEW you will win this match against MI. I realized that as a CSK fan, I can almost trust CSK to deliver when it matters. Which just shows how well CSK have performed all these years. What a team!

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 19:04 GMT

Cometh the hour cometh the man. MSD rocks.

Gitanshu
on May 23, 2012, 19:03 GMT

Oh you bet ya..come d finals..comes d beast..Dhoni got beaten by Mumbai Indians both time in league stages..he was looking for a revenge or may be oppurtinity..there we go..wat a time..knocking Mumbai Indians out..go CSK go..!Next---Double D's..!

venkat
on May 23, 2012, 19:02 GMT

Hey @bruiser and all Dhoni bashers come back here and explain yourself.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 19:02 GMT

Well.. Thats the order of the day and it is Dhoni and co who ordered it ..

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 19:01 GMT

Mumbai has tried its hand at a lot of bowling combinations and still hadn't settled on a consistent bowling attack. They wanted wickets at the start, bring on Malinga, wickets in the middle, bring on Malinga, wickets at the end, Malinga should have an over left. Where are the other pure bowlers? Bhajji hasn't done enough, for me. Nowhere near.

For today, you just cannot give away a hundred and forty runs over 11 overs and expect to challenge consistently. A strong batting line up will win a game or two, but will lose a lot more chasing 180. The better and more importantly, more settled line up has gone through.

associate cricket fan
on May 23, 2012, 19:00 GMT

well played csk. next time promote badhri at No.3 and let raina bat at No.4. also let morkel bat at 6 or 7. no matter what the situation is jadeja should bat at no.8. im pretty sure csk would have lost if jadeja didnt get out.

Suchitra
on May 23, 2012, 18:59 GMT

Chennai are literally unstoppables now!!! Bringing to life a almost dead Lion and ask it to eat Bread and Jam, is pure nonsense. Now CSK won't go without tasting the blood. The Cup has CSK's name written all over it again for the third time. Hurray Badrinath and Hussey for the foundation and thrust they gave for Dhoni and Bravo. It's an allround team, CSK.

Stalwart07
on May 23, 2012, 18:58 GMT

Where are you Bruisers ? Come and take a bow to the Super Kings. MI were outclassed in every way today.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:57 GMT

well done mahi............

sri
on May 23, 2012, 18:57 GMT

haha.. MI are really chokers. They shud learn from Dhoni how to play in big matches. They beat CSK 2 times but this one victory by CSK is enough to shut the worthless matches won by Mumbai. now what Mumbai? they will ban Dhoni as well from MCA for knocking out Mumbai. Anything aganist mumbai will not be tolerated by MCA. Good that CSK showed them their real place. Its now twice that CSK has knocked MI in the knock-outs. This will continue in future as well.

parthiban
on May 23, 2012, 18:55 GMT

this will happen while csk enters the play offs........
gud bye mumbai will see in next year

Raj
on May 23, 2012, 18:55 GMT

Rock solid strategy of Dhoni...........bringing badri and jakati is a wonderful prediction. Giving Albie the second spell is a perfect trap....... Relied on ashwin for economic spell is happened................. ALL IS went WELL for CSK today. Congrats CSK. Looking forward CSK vs KKR in final. Excited to see CSK playing the KKR the best team of IPL.

Sitra
on May 23, 2012, 18:55 GMT

my humble request.. those who said csk reached playoff by luck, pls where are you now?

vijay
on May 23, 2012, 18:55 GMT

Well played CSK :)... You all really rock and tough luck Mumbai...

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:55 GMT

(From DD Fan) - Only a miracle can help DD/ KKR beat CSK the kind of form they are in especially after the gap (days) they got which did fresh their minds. A batting line-up where Albie comes in @ No. 8. U can imagine how dangerous it is. And if 2-3 wickets fall early then send Badri - The Crisis Man, up the order, he will save u at least 8 out of 10 times. Hussey, Dhoni, Bravo, Badri, Albie - all in red hot form. And NEVER count Vijay, Raina and Jadeja out, they are genuine match winners on their day at least in this format. Bowling dept. might be a factor that might worry Dhoni ONLY A BIT. Men in Yellow are always dangerous - Be it Austraila or CSK. I hope DD finds a way to beat CSK. But one thing I'm assuring you, there's NO WAY KKR can stop CSK from winning the title if latter qualifies for the finals.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:53 GMT

MIGHTY WIN FOR CSK - KEEP IT UP! U R JUST 2 WINS AWAY FROM GLORY

Prashant
on May 23, 2012, 18:52 GMT

Mr. Dhoni, I will never ever doubt your abilities again. You are the man! What a telling blow! To me, you are the IPL champions. I say this because, I KNEW you will win this match against MI. I realized that as a CSK fan, I can almost trust CSK to deliver when it matters. Which just shows how well CSK have performed all these years. What a team!

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:52 GMT

chennai....business as usual

Shiv
on May 23, 2012, 18:51 GMT

Some people are determined to win and some are destined to win. -Sidhuism. MSD is destined. I enjoyed his innings today though.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:51 GMT

bigger the occasion better the performance as always by msd

fhfgdgfg
on May 23, 2012, 18:49 GMT

Experienced players seem to better in the finals. The other night it was Kallis all-round and toight we had Dhoni and Hussey.

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:48 GMT

Badri played beautifull today along with hussey.. ITs time for his test place...
Dhoni's Helicopter shot was superb

James
on May 23, 2012, 18:47 GMT

well done CSK. You have proved the critics wrong!

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:47 GMT

CSK wins by a great margin! Dhoni proves: Cometh Hour Cometh Man!. Captaincy made a difference when Bhajji wrested first the initiative but spilled it over - lack of captaincy? Winning the toss MI should have batted, they have in the earlier editions lost while chsing. In a pressure game CSK prevails - Now DD and KKR must watch out and beware in their backyard and with slow bouncy track, count on CSK. It will take a lot to deny them a Hatrick?

spy
on May 23, 2012, 18:46 GMT

CSK wins,thala dhoni...CSK poor start but good finish.MI good start and bad finish.One who is first in the beginning doesn't matter...one who comes first at the end matters! CSK CSK CSK

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:46 GMT

why csk wast their mony on r. jadeja?
ok if they wasted then why taking risk of playing him in game?

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:45 GMT

One Down! Two to Go!!! CSK, Please don't get complacent. Don't relax! I thoroughly enjoyed the Match! CSK deserves to be in the Playoffs and they have proved it and how!!! Sehwag and Gambhir would have started worrying already! Dhoni's Helicopter shot and an equivalently audacious offside six by Bravo are the highlights of the match. Great Win! Chennai had took revenge on Mumbai!!!

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:45 GMT

Happy to see Mumbai Indians out of IPL V..Finally MI stupidity comes to an end (at least for this year). Every time only Experimenting.. No trust on players except Malinga & Pollard...Will be waiting for next IPL season to see MI coming up with new foolish strategies.....

Ganesh
on May 23, 2012, 18:44 GMT

Congratulations CSK! Great game and wonderful team effort! Common Vijay, Jadeja and Raina!!! When are you guys going to play?

Congenial
on May 23, 2012, 18:43 GMT

Dhoni packed the entire MI team on those two sixes. Go CSK Go, 2 more matches and we are home. I am happy that stupid team MI was eliminated today

Varun
on May 23, 2012, 18:42 GMT

Briliant clinical performances.. Especially given the start MI had at both the innings.. to claw back rfrom that .. Well deserved...

Next DD...

Parthiban
on May 23, 2012, 18:41 GMT

Toldja didn't I!! Tendulkar is irrelevant in this format.

Johnathon
on May 23, 2012, 18:41 GMT

I've said again and again, that Harbhajan has made the huge mistake of misusing Malinga. In the first couple of games, Malinga opened the bowling (like he shoudl) and was followed by Munaf, and the other bowlers. The pressure Malinga created with the new ball was amazing and held pressure to the other bowlers as well. His confidence was also high, and he was the best death overs bowler. After Malinga came back from his injury, Harbhajan put Malinga as the 3rd choice bowler (not opening the innings) and Malinga GOT ONLY 1 WICKET IN 5 MATCHES. Not only that, but while the other opening bowlers had good starts, they had horrible economy rates later on and they lost quite a lot of matches in this fashion (and won some last ball ones too). This caused Mumbai's defeat in the end

Stalwart07
on May 23, 2012, 18:41 GMT

Captain Courageous. Cool Head. Thala. No Replacements for Dhoni. Wow Dhoni. You are the ultimate.

No featured comments at the moment.

Stalwart07
on May 23, 2012, 18:41 GMT

Captain Courageous. Cool Head. Thala. No Replacements for Dhoni. Wow Dhoni. You are the ultimate.

Johnathon
on May 23, 2012, 18:41 GMT

I've said again and again, that Harbhajan has made the huge mistake of misusing Malinga. In the first couple of games, Malinga opened the bowling (like he shoudl) and was followed by Munaf, and the other bowlers. The pressure Malinga created with the new ball was amazing and held pressure to the other bowlers as well. His confidence was also high, and he was the best death overs bowler. After Malinga came back from his injury, Harbhajan put Malinga as the 3rd choice bowler (not opening the innings) and Malinga GOT ONLY 1 WICKET IN 5 MATCHES. Not only that, but while the other opening bowlers had good starts, they had horrible economy rates later on and they lost quite a lot of matches in this fashion (and won some last ball ones too). This caused Mumbai's defeat in the end

Parthiban
on May 23, 2012, 18:41 GMT

Toldja didn't I!! Tendulkar is irrelevant in this format.

Varun
on May 23, 2012, 18:42 GMT

Briliant clinical performances.. Especially given the start MI had at both the innings.. to claw back rfrom that .. Well deserved...

Next DD...

Congenial
on May 23, 2012, 18:43 GMT

Dhoni packed the entire MI team on those two sixes. Go CSK Go, 2 more matches and we are home. I am happy that stupid team MI was eliminated today

Ganesh
on May 23, 2012, 18:44 GMT

Congratulations CSK! Great game and wonderful team effort! Common Vijay, Jadeja and Raina!!! When are you guys going to play?

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:45 GMT

Happy to see Mumbai Indians out of IPL V..Finally MI stupidity comes to an end (at least for this year). Every time only Experimenting.. No trust on players except Malinga & Pollard...Will be waiting for next IPL season to see MI coming up with new foolish strategies.....

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:45 GMT

One Down! Two to Go!!! CSK, Please don't get complacent. Don't relax! I thoroughly enjoyed the Match! CSK deserves to be in the Playoffs and they have proved it and how!!! Sehwag and Gambhir would have started worrying already! Dhoni's Helicopter shot and an equivalently audacious offside six by Bravo are the highlights of the match. Great Win! Chennai had took revenge on Mumbai!!!

Dummy4
on May 23, 2012, 18:46 GMT

why csk wast their mony on r. jadeja?
ok if they wasted then why taking risk of playing him in game?

spy
on May 23, 2012, 18:46 GMT

CSK wins,thala dhoni...CSK poor start but good finish.MI good start and bad finish.One who is first in the beginning doesn't matter...one who comes first at the end matters! CSK CSK CSK

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